An Apple a day ain't too Shabby

I recently came across this great online boutique, Shabby Apple.  I have to admit, the fabulous photos led me to believe it would be out of my budget so I didn't look for a while.

Then a blog was hosting a giveaway and I went to the site to see what I would use my gift card to buy in a perfect world kinda way.  And I was hooked!

I lalala love their clothing.  You know me, I'm a dress/skirt kinda gal and this store has classic, beautiful, quality product.  If I was rich and had no budget woes in the world I would buy these immed:

These colors were made for me.

The peplum is rocking my world.

Love this dress.

Thought you might be interested in checking out their site!

Glasses USA

As you all know, I'm a lover of the inexpensive.  I'm also a lover of high quality products.  When I find something that is inexpensive and high quality, my heart does the happy dance.  Hence, my glasses.

That's exactly what I found at GlassesUSA.com.  I was so pleased with the entire website and purchasing process.  When you visit the site, you will see just how user-friendly it is.  There are distinct sections for men's glasses and women's glasses and they are even further categorized by shape, frame, style, material, and lens type.

This made it so easy to find the type of glasses frames I typically wear.  I was able to navigate so easily by clicking on the different links.  What made it even better was the Virtual Mirror where I was able to "try on" several different styles until I found one that I liked.


I remember growing up and hearing classmates get teased for wearing eyeglasses.  Today, they are a fashion statement!  I love being able to change out my frames to go with different outfits and change up my whole look.

Prior to finding GlassesUSA, I would have never thought to look online for a pair of specs.  In fact, I was always suckered in to buying them right from my eye doctor paying upwards of $100 a pair.  I've looked over other sites with online eyeglasses, but I must admit, I was most pleased with the selection from this one.  In fact, I purchased a tortoise pair!

My frames

If you're in the market for some new eye wear, I definitely recommend checking out the selection at GlassesUSA.  I have been very pleased with my own pair.

If you decide to purchase a pair of prescription or just want a fun pair to wear, GlassesUSA is offering all Domesticated Working Woman readers a discount!  Just use this code:

15% off + free shipping (orders over $50): FS15

10% off all prescriptions: Blog10

This is a sponsored post, but all opinions are my own.

Post-Christmas Strategy

I hit up Kohl's after Christmas.  Kohl's is one store that rocks a frugalista's world.  Not only do they have everything, but they have great prices on everything.  Then, on top of that, they have regular sales, coupons, and extra discounts on their merchandise.

So, I came across the candles and started looking at the prices and making my selections.  Then, out of curiosity, I rang them through the price check.  Everything on clearance was an additional 25% off!

Kohl's rocks my world because not only do they have great deals on their clothing and merchandise, but you can always find a coupon code.  They send about two coupons via snail mail a month as well.

Lesson #1: When shopping a sale, don't be afraid to check and see if there are any additional discounts.  Most of the time there is an additional percentage off or a significant slash in price.

Lesson #2: When shopping for items in a particular size, know that most stores will order your size and have it shipped to your house for free.  You still receive the benefits of the sale even though they don't have your size available in store.

Lesson #3:  Always, always, always look for a coupon code.  Do NOT be ashamed of saving every hard earned dollar you can.  A fantastic app for this is Coupon Sherpa.  Coupon Sherpa lists many retailers and all of their current promotions/coupons.  You just pull it up on your phone and the cashier can scan the bar code right off your phone.

Lesson #4: Don't be afraid of asking about a discount for military/teachers/students/etc.  If you think you could get a discount for it, ask.  Many times companies don't have a standard discount for teachers, but upon my asking, the manager gives me 10% off.

So, let me break down for you what I spent and how I did it:

With the 70% off and then an additional 25% off all clearance, not a single candle cost more than $8.39.  Some of these candles originally cost more than $30!!

Not only were the candles super cheap, but with Coupon Sherpa, I got another 15% off my entire purchase which pretty much meant I got one of the candles for free because it saved me $5.48.

I ended up with 2 woodwick Yankee candles, a Yankee jar, a Jennifer Lopez 3 wick candle, and a Jennifer Lopez decorative candle.  All for $33.08.  Normally they would have cost me $150.04.
That's a savings of $116.96!!

By the way, did you notice that one of those candles was originally $39.99 and I paid just $5.99 for it?

Frugalista Friday Copycat #2

Here is my inspiration picture.  I found this look and it gave me some inspiration to rewear this dress I had gotten for a steal and refashioned a few months ago.

I love the dress and wanted different ways to wear it.  I guess this is just another way of shopping my closet.  After all, I want to get as much wear out of this cute dress as possible!

This outfit was super cozy and it got me a ton of compliments!  Here is the breakdown:

Outfit Deets

Sweater: $15 (Old Navy, old, similar)

Dress: 25 cents (thrift)

Tights: $5 (Target)

Boots: $20 (Gap, old, similar)

Total Cost: $40.25

Frugalista Friday Elf

Our school did a "Sweet Treats & Sweaters" day last Friday for faculty and staff.  It was a nice way to help get us through the rest of the school year before Christmas break.  This time of year can get rough because the kids and teachers are equally anxious to have a break until the new year.

I participated and rather than just create a sweater, took it a much larger step and decked myself out in an entire Christmas outfit!  As if you didn't expect that...

The entire 8th grade team dressed up like this with our two male teachers being Santa Clause and the Grinch.  It was a fun day.  In my room, we celebrated all of our hard work with a snowball fight.  You'll see more on that when you come back for Tales from the Teacher's Lounge on Monday.

Since it's Frugalista Friday I thought I would share with you how I put my outfit together for less than $20.  Here is the run down on the costume:

Hat: $1 (Dollar Tree)

Collar: 75 cents (I made it)

T-shirt: I own

Shorts: $8 (Walmart)

Tights: $5 (Target)

Socks: $1 (Dollar Tree)

Shoes: 50 cents (I made it - the red side is an old tree skirt we had when we first got married)

Total Cost: $16.25

*I feel really good about this because other people went out and spent well over $30 on a store-bought costume.*

Shopping Local

I have to admit that I never really thought that much about shopping small or local or handmade before I became a vendor myself.  I always admired the wonderful craftmanship and detail that went into items at craft fairs, but I must (shamefully) admit I sometimes would think things like:

"I can get something similar at Target for cheaper."

"I could make that myself."

"That is riduculously priced."

I hate to think back on those times that things like that ran through my head because I know people have looked at my table at craft fairs or shows before and probably thought the same thing.

Fact of the matter is, you can't get the same thing at Target or Walmart for cheaper.  You can't make many of the things you see yourself.  And most items are priced extremely reasonable for the amount of time, money, and TLC involved in each piece.  

What I have realized is that you truly do get what you pay for.  Anything handmade is better than something manufactured.  Hands down. 

Supporting your local boutique is much more rewarding than the local mall.  Shopping the local farmer's market is much more satisfying than the local Walmart.  Truth be told, shopping local/small doesn't just benefit the vendor.  It benefits you as the customer.

Think about it, everyone loves American Eagle, JCrew, Madewell, and Old Navy.  So often in Blogland we see many repeats.  I'm not knocking this - I love these stores as well, but when I shop at them I'm in danger of wearing the same thing as someone else.  Luckily, it is usually styled differently, but if I really want to stand out, shopping local boutiques is the way to go.  I'm almost guaranteed that no one is going to have that same Everly blouse from Pink and Blue.

Items I've purchased at craft fairs or farmer's markets have always lasted longer than similar items I've purchased from department stores or Walmart.  Handmade typically equates higher quality.  Handmade typically means unique as well.  When something is handmade, there is never a true duplicate.  

Giving and receiving handmade gifts are the best.  Somehow they seem more heartfelt.  More thoughtful.  Than just buying an item from a regular store.  Maybe that's just me...  Like there is a story behind the gift that makes it even more extraordinary.

If you've had the mindset this season that I once had, I encourage you to give shopping small a try.  There are fantastic online boutiques, local craft fairs, and shops all around.  A few of my favorites:

Kiki La'rue

Fab'rik

Clothes Hound

Caroline G Boutique

Do you shop small? 

Holiday Garland Giveaway

You can see my DIY holiday garland here.

But, today you can register to win it here!

I'm giving away a 5 foot traditional holiday garland to one lucky reader.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What better way to be frugal than to win a free gift?!

Frugalista Friday Christmas Gifts

This time of year you end up with more people on your gift list than you realize and money is sometimes tight.  Here are some gifts that are sure to woo your friends/family, but not break the bank.

Some inexpensive Christmas gifts for those on your list:

ladies christmas gift ideas by coachgaines featuring high heels

Gents christmas ideas by coachgaines featuring a brown hat

Black (Frugalista) Friday Deal

Link up your best Black Friday purchase by grabbing the Frugalista Friday button on my sidebar and adding it in your post.  Paste the link for your post in my comments area below.  Next Friday, I will feature some of the best deals of the day.

*********************************************

I'm that girl that is waiting in line outside Belk when it opens at midnight to be one of the first 250 to receive a gift card.  Said gift card could possibly be anywhere from $5 to $1000!

Guess what mine was worth?

I'm not bitter.

After leaving Belk (and the madness that consumed over 50% off Sperrys), we headed to Old Navy.

Every year I stock up on some essentials at Old Navy.  This year was no different; leggings for $5, tank tops for $5, and a tunic for $15.  Yes, it was all for me, but they were necessary basics.

So, the best part of my night (cue the music) was when I left my Old Navy purchase and some cash with my girlfriends that went with me and went to Home Depot.

You see, my hubby and I have been contemplating purchasing a fake Christmas tree for a few years now.  With my family still in NY and his family here in NC, we alternate spending the holiday in either state.  The years that we are in NY, we always come home to our real tree's sheddings and a mess to clean up.  So, last year we had the bright idea to buy a fake tree after the holiday, but we got there late.

Home Depot

So, as I was scouring the Black Friday ads and mapping out my game plan, I noticed several places had good deals on Christmas trees.  I'm picky though - I want that thing to look legit.  As I came across the Home Depot ad, I saw a Martha Stewart pre-lit tree marked down from $179 to $59!

You know I was there at 4:30 a.m. to get in line for that thing!

I won't even tell you about the lovely couple that decided to come up and skip everyone after sitting in their warm car and screaming at the employees that they had been there all morning.

Nope, won't tell you about that at all.

Frugalista Black Friday

**Be ready to link your post with the Frugalista Friday button and share your best Black Friday deal next week!!**

This video has absolutely nothing to do with this post, but its hilarious

One of my favorite parts of Thanksgiving Day is sitting around the dining room table after the food has been cleared, the pants button popped, and the slobber wiped from my face and looking through the Black Friday ads and creating a "game plan."

Let's be honest, it is exactly a "game plan."  Black Friday shopping is serious bidnass.  You've got to prepare mentally, physically, and emotionally for this event.  Don't laugh, I'm for reals!

Now, I have to admit I never go out there dying to get something and come home angry if I can't find it.  Although I don't have kids yet so that could very possibly will definitely change.  I mean, if my kid wants the Tickle Me Elmo, you can bet I'll be the cray cray mom holding down fort all hours of the night and climbing to the top of the toy pile to get it.

I've never been one to do some scoping out of Black Friday deal prior to Thanksgiving Day ads, but now that I have a smartphone and all its almost irresistible.  I downloaded the app, BFAds, and I've been scoping out some of the exciting sales that are coming this year.  If you don't have a smartphone you can always check out The Black Friday.com.

There are a few places that I'm super excited about.  Almost every year Target has something on my list for a lesser price or a gift card with purchase.  Old Navy always has great deals on staple items.  KMart and Kohls usually have something I need.  I also love going to the outlets each year.  My first stop is usually Ralph Lauren because they run a deal: an extra 30% off your purchase for the first 2 hours they are open Thanksgiving night.

This year I don't have my heart set on anything in particular yet because I'm having a hard time making my Christmas list.  Hubby isn't really sure what he wants and I'm waiting to scope out the ads to see if the item I want to get my parents is a special deal anywhere.

I will definitely hit up the Tanger Outlets in Mebane again.  I will stop and stock up on leggings and basics at Old Navy (for me of course).  After that, I'm really not sure.  Rest assured, after looking at the fliers at the dinner table, there will surely be a list of things that I "need" to add to my list.

What are you searching for this Black Friday?  Are there any special deals or sales that you are tackling like a boss?

Ditsies Review

Ditsies recently sent me a pair of their luxurious, made in America, panties to try and review.

A little about the company...

Ditsies is a membership service (that partners with women's non-profits) offering women a pair of undies each month that are tailored to your personal undergarment tastes.  You answer a very brief set of questions and each month a lovely little surprise arrives on your doorstep.

All undies are made in New York City using best-in-class fabrics, sewers, and designers.

You receive undies that would typically retail for approximately $36 a pair for just $12.  Not to mention, they arrive on your doorstep so you don't even have to go hunting for them.

Costs stay low because they have cut out the middle men, the marketing expenses, and each pair is made to order.

A few bonuses: You can skip a month at any time by simply logging on and requesting a skip.  You can sign up to send 10% of every purchase to a women's cause that you care about.  Not that you would want to, but you are free to cancel at any time.

My experience with Ditsies...

I have to say that I was very impressed with the selection choices on the Ditsies website.  I am a very big fan of comfort in the undergarment department, but that doesn't mean I like to rock a granny panty.  The styles, fit, and fabric choice were impressive.

My Ditsies arrived very promptly despite the fact that Hurricane Sandy was wreaking havoc on the east coast at the time I ordered them.  They came in a neat little package with the cutest little clothespin.  Not only were the undies beautiful to look at, they were extremely comfortable and satisfying to wear.

I highly recommend trying out this great service.  After all, who really enjoys underwear shopping anyway?

Perks and Rewards

There aren't many tangible perks to being a teacher.  Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love my job, but I definitely didn't go into this field to make money or become famous.

However, many places do appreciate teachers in big ways including some of my favorites.  And, yes, I understand that not all of my readers are teachers, but I do want to encourage you to continue reading this post because some of these discounts work for military as well.  Or you may know a teacher or military member that might benefit from this post.

Lastly, please keep reading because any business that is willing to reward those hard working, under paid individuals deserves your patronage as well.  Don't you agree?

So, here are some awesome stores that rock a good discount:

(Through the Organized Teacher program you save 15% on all purchases)

(15% off all purchases, 20% off sign-up purchase)

Ann Taylor Loft
(15% off everything & sign-up discount)

The Limited
(15% off everything even sale)

(15% off)

(15% off even outlet stores)

(10% off)

(5% off all purchases)

(They don't advertise a discount, but when requested most baristas will provide one for teachers.)

These are not all of the stores that provide a discount for teachers/military, but they are some of my favorites.  Many hotels, museums, zoos, and restaurants (like Pizza Hut) also provide discounts.  I've also asked at my local Joe's Outlet for a teacher discount and even though they typically don't provide one, they did give me 15% off my denim purchase.

It doesn't hurt to ask.
Many times, all you have to do is ask to get a better deal on the products you love.